The Ashbridge Estate, owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust, is architecturally significant for the house’s simple Regency design with neoclassical elements. During Doors Open, Trust staff will exhibit artifacts from archeological digs on the site. The grounds are also home to an urban farm, planted and cared for by Building Roots.

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A self-guided tour of this office will introduce visitors to projects that represent the diversity of Brook McIlroy’s work. More than just an architecture firm, their interdisciplinary team tackles social and infrastructural challenges – from the perspective of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, planning, art and more. Staff will be on hand from all of those disciplines to answer questions.

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Built in 1848, this charming one-room schoolhouse is one of the oldest in Toronto. Established by Enoch Turner, a wealthy local brewer, it was the city’s first free school. Today, this historical schoolhouse is owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust and operated as a provincially significant heritage site, public museum, and conference and special events venue.

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First Nations House has been serving the University of Toronto’s Indigenous community for over 25 years. It provides culturally relevant services to Indigenous students in support of academic success, personal growth and leadership development. Learn about the true history of Turtle Island, its colonization and our hopes for a future based on mutual respect and the sharing of resources.

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Tour Doris McCarthy’s eccentric house, learn about the artist-in-residence program operating there, and meet artist Esmond Lee – who will lead an interactive sketching workshop from 12 to 3 p.m. daily. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds, see spectacular views of the Scarborough Bluffs, and take a picture with the “SCARBOROUGH” sign, a public art installation presented by Scarborough Arts.

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Built on the Canadian National Exhibition grounds, Hotel X features a 250-seat cinema, screening room, art gallery, museum and much more – making it Toronto's only urban resort! Doors Open guests will be able to access New Fort Hall, which carefully preserves the foundations of the East Enlisted Men’s Barracks. Presentations showcasing the space and history will also be shown.

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Tell us your story about this site

Built in 1919, this building was once Toronto’s tallest. Active until 2006, it was originally a factory that produced aluminum products during the Second World War. Later, it made items such as kitchen tools, bottle caps and car parts. Continuing its role as an example of innovation – and now a heritage building – it today houses Toronto’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

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When visitors arrive at the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, they will see a space that does justice to Indigenous culture throughout the building. The bold entrance sign, in the shape of an Ojibwa hand drum, signals a strong Indigenous presence. On the fourth floor, visitors will attend a special event – 7th Generation Image Makers' Tkaronto 2039.

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Located in Toronto’s Garden Heritage Conservation District, this centre is a community-based organization that has a rich history of social inclusion. This former residence now provides crucial programs, services and support to all self-identifying Aboriginal women (cisgender, transgender and two-spirited people) and their children. During Doors Open, there will be live drumming, beading workshops and basic Indigenous language classes.

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The name of Seneca College's new Indigenous centre at Newnham Campus is based on the Anishinaabe word “Odeyto,” which means “the good journey.” The centre is equipped with an office space, computer lab, kitchen and dedicated space for Indigenous Elders. On arrival, guests will have an opportunity to experience Seneca’s bee colony, whose inhabitants pollinate plants in the medicine garden.

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Osgoode Hall – home of the Law Society of Ontario and the highest courts of the province – opened in 1832 and remains a Toronto landmark and a symbol of the law in Ontario. The 1867 fence, renowned for its peculiar gates, surrounds the property and its landscaped grounds. Explore Osgoode Hall with a self-guided tour available in English, French and Chinese.

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Standing near the main entrance of York’s Keele campus, the Rob and Cheryl McEwen Graduate Study & Research Building features a 27-metre (88-foot) solar chimney, green roofs, a media production centre, innovative classrooms and seminar rooms, a picturesque central courtyard, a spacious student lounge, a curated art collection, a wellness centre, and rainwater recapture systems.

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At the Ryerson University Architecture Building, visitors can experience the nature of architectural education, see the creative work done in the Department of Architecture Science and interact with students. Come and see the work of these new young designers and their visions for a future urban environment. During Doors Open, you can also explore a feature exhibition of their work.

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This unique marketplace has taken unused land in the heart of downtown Toronto and transformed it into a culture and community hub, providing Torontonians with a new space to gather and discover – supporting liveability and vibrancy. Made entirely out of shipping containers, stackt is a sustainable, modular space that is easily erected and dismantled with minimal intervention on the land.

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Located in the heart of the city, the Japan Foundation, Toronto is on the third floor of the Hudson’s Bay Centre. By promoting Japanese culture to other countries, the Japan Foundation aspires to contribute to the improvement of good international relations with Japan. During Doors Open, visitors can browse the extensive collection of print and audio-visual materials in the library.

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The Toronto Media Arts Centre (TMAC) is the first and only artist-run hub for art and technology in Toronto. A 2,800-square-metre (30,138-square-foot) centre located in the heart of Toronto’s Art and Design District, TMAC provides artists and the local community with access to state-of-the-art production studios, galleries, and opportunities for hands-on learning. There’s even an apartment for artist residencies.

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Visit the Toronto Zoo for a unique chance to get behind the scenes at their Administrative Support Centre – home to many zoological firsts! The new state-of-the-art Wildlife Health Centre is the first of its kind in Canada, further enhancing the Toronto Zoo as a centre of excellence in animal care and veterinary sciences.

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Welcome to Toronto's First Post Office! Operated by the Town of York Historical Society, this National Historic Site is a museum and an authorized full-service dealer for Canada Post. As a museum, it tells the story of the early colonial postal system, of Toronto’s first postmaster, and of the rebellion that played a significant role in his life.

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